Summer is here, and it's zooming by!
If that statement puts you in a panic, then this is for you. Why the panic? What was on your summer agenda that you have not yet attended to? Better question, why the agenda in the first place?
For many of us, summer is the time when we can squeeze in all the "fun" we don't have time for during the school year.
...the get-togethers
...the trips
....the camps
...the barbecues
...and all those "learning opportunities" for our kids.
We spend some time on social media and see all the people we know doing all of these very things!
...getting together with other people we know and having fun
...breathtaking photos from an amazing European adventure
...other people's kids improving their IQ's and fitness levels by attending expensive specialized camps.
Then, the FOMO sets in (fear of missing out).
When am I going to fit in all these amazing things I can display on social media and how will I afford to do them? I need more time! I need more money! Please relax and let it go, dear parents. I'm getting stressed out as I type, and I know stress is not something I want to put on MY summer agenda.
Let it go, let it go.
In terms of those "learning opportunities" for our kids I mentioned, I offer this… what if we let them create their own? I know you've heard it before, LET THEM BE BORED. It really is okay. Look around your house right now. As I look around mine, I see a guitar, a keyboard, paper, writing utensils, a couple of dogs who are also bored, a yard with a pool and a tire swing, craft supplies, ingredients in the kitchen, and lots of books. That's just the tip of the ice berg, and if you go beyond your own house, I'll bet there are other kids in your neighborhood who are bored, with a plethora of things in their houses. Our kids need to learn to create their own fun, and they can! Their minds are amazing places, and even more amazing when they are given time and space to tap into their own thoughts and creativity.
There are certainly some very beneficial activities for our families to get involved with over the summer, and I don't mean to lessen their awesomeness. By all means, do the things that will create memories and leave your hearts feeling full. However, you don't need to do ALL the things, especially those things you feel you need to do for the sake of social media, and those things that leave you feeling stressed. I like to remind my kids our happiest memories come from everyday moments of togetherness, ones that more often than not are free.
My wish for you all this summer is peace and full hearts, many moments of joyful togetherness and stress-free minds and bank accounts.
